Dareu Firefly vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Swift stand out as unique options to consider. The Firefly offers a tactile typing experience with a light actuation and a subtle clickiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a quiet switch with just a hint of feedback. On the other hand, the Swift switch from HMX provides a linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sound and a delicate actuation force. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the HMX Swift both utilize different materials for their housing components, with the Firefly featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Swift includes a nylon housing for both the top and bottom. The polycarbonate top housing of the Firefly creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound compared to the fuller and deeper sound profile elicited by the nylon top housing of the Swift. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Firefly allows for RGB lighting effects, whereas the nylon material in the Swift provides a more classic and understated look.
When it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Firefly and the Swift feature nylon materials, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastic materials. This similarity in the bottom housing material of both switches means that the typing experience will share the same qualities in terms of sound and feel. However, the differences lie in the top housing material, where the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing contributes to the sound profile when releasing a key, while the nylon top housing of the Swift impacts the sound when pressing down on a key.
In summary, the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Swift showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials, with the Firefly featuring a combination of polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housings, respectively, while the Swift utilizes nylon for both. The differences in material properties result in varying sound profiles, with the Firefly offering a sharper and crisper sound due to the polycarbonate top housing, and the Swift providing a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing components. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience influenced by the qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the HMX Swift linear switch which has an actuation force of 42 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Swift is 50 grams, making it heavier than the Firefly, where the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Firefly for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push may prefer the Swift. In terms of actuation force, both switches are relatively similar, so users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch have slightly different travel distances, with the Firefly at 4 mm and the Swift at 3.9 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Firefly being slightly longer and the Swift being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Swift switch due to its shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Firefly switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly for $3.76.
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $3.45.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Dareu Firefly switch is described as having a "chirpy" sound, adding a unique acoustic signature to typing. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is known for its "clacky" sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Firefly offers a quieter and more subtle sound, while the Swift provides a crisper and brighter auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by the overall setup of the keyboard, including the board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Dareu Firefly and HMX Swift are described as "easy-to-press," offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions. Additionally, the Swift switch is noted for its "feathery" feel, being exceptionally light to press and reducing strain on the fingers. Both switches offer a responsive and low-impact typing experience, enhancing overall comfort during use.
Overall, while the Dareu Firefly and HMX Swift switches have distinct sound and feel characteristics, they both offer a comfortable typing experience with light actuation forces and smooth key presses. For those who prefer a quieter and more subtle typing sound, the Firefly switch may be the preferred choice. Alternatively, the Swift switch provides a crisper sound profile and a feathery feel, catering to individuals who enjoy a sharper tactile response during typing. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and comfort, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the key factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a light actuation force and a hint of clickiness, the Firefly might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper sound profile with a smooth feel, along with a slightly higher actuation force, the Swift could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force when selecting the mechanical keyboard switch that best suits your typing style.
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